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Holistic Care For Pets With Cancer
Get expert advice on how you can help your dog or cat with cancer using homemade diets, nutritional supplements and acupuncture. Click here cancer canine lymphoma cat |
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Learn how to prepare a homemade cancer diet for your pet |
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Veterinary-approved supplements for pets during chemotherapy and radiation |
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Address other health issues such as kidney disease, pancreatis and liver problems |
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Jake Braun
Osteosarcoma Survivor
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Confused about which formulas to use?
Start with OncoPet. It is an all-purpose formula and an excellent value---you can always add more later!
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Homemade Cancer Diet Assistance
There are many "homemade" diets on the Internet and unfortunately most are not accurate. When your pet has cancer, you need to be sure you are providing the right BALANCE of nutrients that support your pet's particular situation. For example, we have many patients who come to us who are following a "cancer diet" they found online that advises them to use an overabundance of fatty protein when their pet has eleveated liver or kidney blood values. We strongly urge you to schedule an appointment to get the exact percentage of ingredients based on your pet's bloodwork and symptoms. We do not have "canned diets" because every pet needs a different ratio and we use mathematical models to calculate for you.
Susan Davis has extensive experience working with canine and feline cancer patients. She works in conjunction with oncologists and can provide you with sound advice not just about diet but about a supplement regimen that will support your pet with or without chemotherapy. Susan Davis sees patients in person at the VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, CA and also provides telephone consultations to people all over the world. If you would like to get expert advice on a cancer diet for your pet, please complete the pet health consultation form for a telephone consultation or call Diane, Client Services Manager att 949-499-9380 to schedule an inperson appointment in Orange County, CA.
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Ideally, most dogs and cats with cancer can benefit from a homemade prepared diet. However, this can be very tricky since the diet depends upon many factors such as the age of the pet, the type of cancer (e.g. liver cancer vs osteosarcoma) and the condition of other organs (e.g. many pets with cancer also have kidney issues as well.). DO NOT just go by a homemade recipe for cancer that you find in a book or online. While there are many "cancer" diets focusing on low carbohydrate, high protein---this may not be the right diet for your pet. All components of the diet should be balanced and proportionate to the needs of your pet--that is why we want to stress the importance of a holistic consultation with Susan Davis who can help you develop just the right diet for your pet.
Pet Cancer Supplement Package
Ask Ariel offers a premium pet cancer package which consists of two unique formulas that are well tolerated and backed by research.
Click here to learn more
Bogey Moore
Canine Cancer
"We found out that Bogey had a baseball-sized tumor near his heart,
pressuring his heart and pulmonary artery in February 2006. Follow-ups with specialists determined it was cancer - chemodectoma - and not operable. Due to its location and type of tumor, radiation and chemotherapy were also ruled out as options. The specialists told us then that Bogey would have maybe 4 months to live. We were devastated.
We started researching alternate methods for treating cancers through
diet and supplements, and spoke with Susan Davis in March.
With her help, we created a dietary program for Bogey to combat the cancer, provide him with healthy supplements that would support his immune system, improve his heart function, and support him against the slow growth of the tumor and the symptoms of hypertension that it caused. We feel strongly that this has been a critical factor in Bogey's health care regime.
Its October now, and Bogey is showing very few symptoms - many days, none at all. Bogey still has cancer, but due to his nutritional program, and light doses of heart medication from our local vet, to date, Bogey feels good, and is active, alert, and having fun.
His bloodwork has improved, and hypertension symptoms are almost
non-existent.
We're hopeful that with continued focus on nutrition, diet, light
exercise, and veterinary care, Bogey will continue to be with us for a long time.
Linda Moore, Lisa Moore and Dave Haynes
Los Angeles, CA October 2006
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Cancer is a disease process in which healthy cells stop functioning properly and abnormal cells begin growing at an out of control rate. Normal cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. Cancer cells grow and divide and instead of dying, outlive normal cells and continue to form new abnormal cells. Cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body beyond where their development originated and again grow and replace the normal tissue. This process called metastasis occurs as the cancer cells travel through the blood stream or lymph vessels of our bodies.
Choosing the right supplements may feel overwhelming. We are here to help. Post a question on our blog and Ask The Experts!
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There are many options available to you if your pet is diagnosed with cancer. If your pet has not been diagnosed but you are concerned, there is nothing more important than getting regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests. Don’t let your fears get in the way of obtaining valuable information that can affect your pet’s health. Knowledge is power and especially if your dog is older, time is of the essence. Holistic pet care can help! The supplements indicated above have been carefully researched and are veterinarian-approved. However, each dog or cat with cancer needs an INDIVIDUALIZED supplement treatment protocol. For example, pets undergoing chemotherapy should not be using high doses of antioxidants as it can interfere with the results. A consultation is advised.
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Research indicates that there are many environmental factors that contribute to cancer. However, it should be indicated that exposure to carcinogens is not necessarily going to cause cancer. A weakened immune system and compromised biological terrain set the stage for cancer. What causes a weakened immune system? Years of feeding foods that lack important nutrients, ingesting toxic and artificial chemicals and hormones found in processed pet food, lack of exercise, chronic exposure to cigarette smoke and many other factors. In other words, the development of cancer is a culmination of years of a weakened immune system and unhealthy body. What the body now desperately needs is detoxification, purification and rejuvenation. That is where pet nutrition and holistic pet care can help! Ask Ariel can help you develop a holistic pet care healing plan that integrates your pet’s body, emotions and spirit---strengthening your pet to make the fight of his or her life. Call now for a consultation.
Murphy Ballard
Dog Cancer
New York
"Murphy was diagnosed with Stromal Sarcoma after a tumor on her spleen was discovered (which was removed through surgery) & was given 3 months (tops) to live. The vet told us to not even bother with chemo or radiation. This all happened in early August of '06. We contacted Susan Davis and did a consultation. She gave us a special cancer diet for Murphy and a supplement protocol based on her symptoms and type of cancer. It is now the end of April 2007 and Murphy is doing very well. She just celebrated her 8th birthday in March and still has has tons of energy & is so lovable. It is almost as if she knows every day is a gift. Thank you for all your care and concern. Murphy sends her love :)"
Update Sept. 2009--Murphy is still alive and was featured in February 2009 Dog Fancy Magazine!
Gina
c anine cancer cancer in dogs feline cancer cat c
Gretchen
Osteosarcoma
My 11 year old Gretchen, a shepherd mix was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her left front leg in March 2005. She was given 2-6 months to live, based on the statistics that this cancer type “always” spreads quickly. Gretchen had her leg amputed and six preventative chemotherapy treatments. She did not experience any negative effects from the chemotherapy (many dogs don’t). Following the chemotherapy, I sought the advice of Susan Davis, CCN. Susan gave me a healthy homemade diet for Gretchen and some supplements to help rebuild her immune system. I periodically meet with Susan Davis and Dr. Gordon for a complete holistic plan for Gretchen. In addition to conventional veterinary care for Gretchen,, she receives acupuncture and ongoing rotation of her supplements and diet to ensure we are giving her the very best. Gretchn is her same exhuberant self and is now 13 years old. She runs around the house, throwing her dolls around and plays with her little brother. The only thing that Gretchen cannot do is our previous daily mile-run. She is still full of energy and has had to learn to take slower, “sniffing” walks. We are thankful to Susan Davis, CCN and Dr. David Gordon for every day we have with Gretchen.
Leong Family, Orange County, CA
Below is our March 2008 newsletter which addressed conventional and holistic treatment alternatives for dogs and cats with cancer:
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We love our pets and do our best to give them a long and healthy life. We plan for the future and dream they will be with us forever….. A diagnosis of cancer can squelch our dreams and catch us off guard. What are the signs to look for? What can you do if your pet has been diagnosed? Listed below is a discussion of your options from both a conventional and holistic veterinary perspective. We hope you will find this newsletter informative and will forward to other concerned pet owners.
| Treatment Alternatives For Cats and Dogs With Cancer
 Conventional Veterinary Perspective Dr. David Gordon, Holistic Veterinarian
Cancer is a disease process in which healthy cells stop functioning properly and abnormal cells begin growing at an out of control rate. Normal cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. Cancer cells grow and divide and instead of dying, outlive normal cells and continue to form new abnormal cells. Some cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body beyond where their development originated and again grow and replace the normal tissue. This process called metastasis occurs as the cancer cells travel through the blood stream or lymph vessels of our bodies.
There are many types of cancer. Cancer can arise in the skin, organs, bone and blood. Some types of cancer are fast growing and other types grow more slowly. Lymphoma is an example of a common form of cancer that we see in dogs and cats.
Common Signs of Cancer In Pets
• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
Please note that many of the above signs are also seen in pets with noncancerous conditions. Regardless, these are signs your pet has some type of health condition and a visit to your veterinarian is warranted. Any new lump or growth on your pet should always be checked by the veterinarian. 60% of skin growths on cats are cancerous. Even though dogs have a lower percentage of malignant tumors on their skin, even soft lumps should be aspirated for the presence of unusual cells.
Many times pet owners will notice some of the above signs and bring their pet in for a check-up. Depending upon the timing of bringing their pet in, more or less will be able to be done to help the pet. Initially the veterinarian will recommend some initial laboratory tests such as bloodwork, urine analysis and XRAYS (As a general rule, it is recommended that bloodwork and urine analysis be performed on pets over 6 years annually to maximize the possibility of catching cancer and/or other diseases as early as possible) Most of the time, this will provide some preliminary insight to the veterinarian, but a biopsy is generally required in order to definitively diagnoses the presence of cancer and the type of cancer.
Once diagnosed, there are several avenues a pet owner can explore. If at all possible, it is recommended that you make a visit to a veterinary oncologist, even if you do not wish to pursue chemotherapy or radiation. It is important for you to see an oncologist for a more comprehensive discussion from a specialist and to get a definitive course of action on your options from a conventional veterinary standpoint. Oncologists will have the greatest amount of experience with cancer and will be able to give you an idea about your pet’s prognosis, with or without using various forms of cancer medication. Many times, pets may require removal of a tumor and an oncologist can assist you with this as well.
There are a full range of medical options available for your pet with cancer, and using a combination of both conventional and holistic treatments can most benefit your pet. There are many prescription medications that can help your pet to feel more comfortable and potentially control the rate of growth of the cancer. Remember, quality of life is most important—be sure to watch your pet for signs of extreme discomfort and lethargy. From a holistic standpoint, much can be done to help your pet maintain a higher quality of life (using acupuncture, diet changes, supplements), especially if the diagnoses is made early.
Click here to read about pet cancer on AskAriel.com
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 Holistic Alternatives for Cancer In Pets Susan Blake Davis, Holistic Pet Health Practitioner
By far, the best results we have seen in cancer patients has been when the pet owner was able to catch the cancer early (as a result of regular laboratory testing) AND when a combination of both conventional and holistic medicine is used. While holistic veterinary medicine cannot cure cancer, it can make a tremendous difference. It is unfortunate that many times, people don’t discover the wonders of giving their pets the best nutrition and supplements until their pet has been diagnosed with a serious illness. The best way to help prevent cancer is to start at the beginning of your pet’s life, giving them optimal nutrition, vitamins, Omega 3s and building a sound immune system. But, even if your pet has been recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it is not too late to make important changes that can give you more time. It is analogous to the advertisements you might have heard about lung cancer and that it is never too late to stop smoking!
One misconception that can be misleading for pet owners is that there is not “one” diet or “one” set of nutritional supplements for a pet with cancer. The reason is that cancer can have many forms, arising in different parts of the body which will affect the pet’s nutritional needs differently. All pets do need nutritious whole foods rich in Omega 3s, vegetables and some quality protein (varies depending upon the pet’s condition). Common sense should be the guiding factor in feeding your pet. Be sure to avoid giving your pet anything with artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. Never give animal fat such as chicken skin or fat from a piece of steak for example. Avoid foods made from simple carbohydrates such as biscuits, bread or crackers. Use caution with protein--giving your pet endless amounts of protein is not advisable, everything should be in balance as in some cases (e.g. if the pet has a liver condition) too much protein can be harmful. We strongly urge you to seek the advice of a veterinary professional for dietary advice. Telephone consultations are available at Ask Ariel if you would like assistance in developing a home made diet and determining a holistic plan for your pet with cancer.
Listed below are some of the more common forms of cancer in pets. As you can see, cancer can develop in different parts of the body and depending upon where it is found, the pets need for nutritional supplements vary.
Lymphoma - is cancer of the lymphatic tissue. The lymph system is a core part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that defends the body against infections. It is comprised of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry lymph (a clear, watery fluid that contains protein, salts, glucose and other substances) throughout the body. The lymphatic system also serves as a low pressure drainage system that collects interstitial fluid throughout the body and returns it to the bloodstream. The most common sign of lymphoma is a painless enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Mast Cell Tumors – Mast cell tumors are among the most common tumors in dogs and are the most common type of skin cancer found in dogs. The most common location to find mast cell tumors is, by far, the skin, followed by the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Both normal and cancerous mast cells contain chemicals that can be released into surrounding tissues. When these chemicals (particularly histamine) are released into the normal surrounding body tissues, side effects can include digestive problems (for ex: bleeding ulcers), skin rashes, shortness of breath and other symptoms. Mast cell tumors vary greatly in their size, shape, appearance and texture. The only way to definitely identify them is with a biopsy and pathology report.
Hemangiosarcoma – Most commonly found in the spleen, liver and heart and the prognosis is determined by the location of the disease. The cancer arises from the blood vessels and results in the production of abnormal blood vessels that can be weak and prone to leaking. As the cancer progresses, the cancerous vessels can rupture and results in blood loss. As the spleen is the organ most commonly affected by this type of cancer, rupture can lead to blood loss into the abdomen. This is an emergency situation and can result in weakness and collapse. Many pets with hemangiosarcoma often require a splenectomy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Cancer that occurs in the mouth, underneath the tongue or along the gums of the middle-aged and older cats. Common signs of squamous cell carcinoma in cats includes difficulty eating, interest in food but not wanting to eat, drooling and odor from the mouth.
Osteosarcoma -- Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone tumor in dogs. Osteosarcoma beings in the bone but can spread throughout the bloodstream very early in the course of the disease (metastasis). The most common areas for this cancer to appear are the wrist, shoulder, knee and hip. The first sign of bone cancer is lameness due to pain from the cancer. Swelling often occurs at the tumor site.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma – Tumors usually form at the bladder opening and can cause blockage causing painful urinartion. Pets often strain while trying to urinate. Transitional Cell Carcinoma can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms such as straining to urinate, blood in the urine or frequent urination are often due to a urinary tract infection. This can delay the discovery of the cancer, especially since antibiotics can often result in some improvement of symptoms. Thus, at the time of diagnosis, bladder cancer can be fairly far advanced and have spread to other parts of the body.
Adenocarcinoma – Anal sac adenocarcinomas are tumors arising from the apocrine glands present on either side of the rectum. These tumors can range greatly in size from a very small mass that can be found only after a rectal examination or a large mass protruding from the rectum. While the tumor appears locally, it is quite common for them to metastasize, often to the lymph nodes inbetween the spine and colon. Symptoms vary depending upon the gender of the pet and can include increased thirst, weakness, persistent licking at the site, difficulty defecating, decreased appetite.
Nutritional supplements should address the most critical needs facing the pet which will vary over time. In other words, the supplements that a pet needs at one point in their cancer care most likely will not be the same at a later time. This can be very confusing for pet owners who seek to find a few master remedies that will help to keep their pet comfortable and increase their longevity as much as possible. For example, the most pressing issue at the beginning of cancer therapy may be to help a pet with digestive problems, diarrhea or vomiting and not use any supplements at all specifically for cancer until the pet’s digestive condition stabilizes. Again, we encourage you to seek the advice of a veterinary professional in selecting supplements for your pet as their needs will vary, especially if your pet is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.
Some key objectives in using nutritional supplementation for cancer are:
1) Supportive care for digestion (many pets with cancer have digestive issues)
2) Supportive care for the organs affected (e.g. liver support supplements if the pet has liver cancer)
3) Immune system support
4) Detoxification to help release toxins
5) Antioxidants to neutralize free radicals (limited use with approval from your veterinarian if undergoing chemotherapy/radiation)
When selecting products specifically for your pet’s cancer, be sure to check whether the products are deemed safe to use during chemotherapy and/or radiation if your pet is undergoing treatment. Good manufacturers will have researched this issue carefully and will advise you. For example, OncoX and Regeneration are two formulas that have been used extensively with cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. We also offer a premium, comprehensive Pet Cancer Package that includes three of our best selections: Cell Serum (patented mushroom formula), Sterol 117 (great for autoimmune, cancer and allergy conditions) and OncoX (broad based cancer support).
There is no question that we have seen by far the best results when patients use a combination of both conventional and holistic veterinary medicine when treating their pets with cancer. Regardless of the treatment protocol, a nutritious diet and some carefully selected supplements can only help to strengthen the pet and keep them feeling more comfortable. Research and education are key, as well as working with your veterinarian and other veterinary professionals to ensure that your pet is receiving all of the treatment alternatives possible—both conventional and holistic.
Click here for more information and products available at Ask Ariel |
Thank you for being an Ask Ariel client. We look forward to continuing to provide you with quality holistic pet care.
Sincerely,
--The Team at Ask Ariel | |
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